post-op update

Hi guys I really enjoyed meeting some of you at the support group meeting. I was really nervous about attending, but by time it was over I felt among friends. I had surgery on Thursday morning. Everything went well at the hospital. I can't say it has been all rosey since then. The first and second day all I did was sleep, once I could get comfortable. I have had a lot of back pain...due to gas (I think). I am having a hard time keeping alot down without feeling nauseated. I know I am not drinking enough, but it really hurts to swallow alot. I am doing much better today though. The worst pain today is from belching. Everytime I burp, I have some pain in my chest. I tried to do too much today (cleaning house) and wore my self out. My incisions look good and are not bleeding and the only pain I have from them is getting up and down. I haven't had much of an appetite, but I forced down some applesauce this morning and a few tablespoons of broth tonight. Although, everytime my husband cooks, I get a little desire for what they are eating. Some advice I might give is to take the ducolax tablets for gas, instead of liquid MOM. I had a really hard time getting down the MOM. With the tablets, Dr. Wellborn said to take them on an empy stomach, one at a time (same with the pain pills). The most dissapointing event at the hospital was not seeing Dr. Wellborn. My husband did talk to him after surgery, but I was really hoping to see him either before or after the surgery. Here is the good news...I weighed 344 at the hospital and this morning I weighed 337! 7 pounds! I am really excited about that! I look forward to seeing some of you next month at the meeting and wish you all well. Please keep me posted on your surgeries and weight loss. I'll do the same! Kim Day Crossett, AR

Congratulations Kim for your banding AND your weight loss! Just take it easy on yourself.... you will be sore for several more days. Try not to do too much. The best thing for you is to do a little walking each day. That will help get rid of the gas pains. You're on your way! Cathy in Fayetteville

Thanks for the update...way to go! You're on your way now!!!!!

Sounds like you are off to a great start. Keep it up and keep us posted.

Hi Kim, I was thinking about you and wondering how you have been recovering. I even looked for you at the hospital since I had surgery the same day. I was also disappointed since I did not see Dr. Wellborn. I am glad to hear that you are on your way to recovery. I have suffered with the gas and bloating too. Today is Monday and I am finally feeling good. I have not had any problems keeping things down but have not really had much of an appetite. I hope to meet you at one of the support groups. Keep up the good work. Donell Conway, AR

Donell, I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 and was already taken to surgery by time you were getting there! However, I think that it is special that we share the same "rebirth" date! I would really like to hear your story. I am getting better everyday. I took off the steri strips tonight and my incisions look really good, but boy are they bruised! I felt really good this morning, but I was feeling so bad this afternoon. I am not having any problems getting down some breakfast and lunch down, but at night I am really having a hard time choking anything down. I am doing way too much, but I have family visiting that I haven't seen in a long time and it makes it very difficult to take it easy. You know I really have to brag about my husband...most of the time it is like pulling teeth to get him to help around the house and with our kids but he has really been a champ this week. My hats off to him, but I don't think he will last much longer! More good news...I AM DOWN A TOTAL OF 12 lbs in 5 days. I know it sounds like a lot and I have a hard time believing it because I reweigh myself about 5 times in a row, but the doc said it woould come off real easy the first couple of weeks and then taper off. I also want to mention that I calld him night before last because I had fever and he sure was sweet at 11 oclock at night! He was very concerned and asked me about everything, even after he took care of my problem. He was a little upset that I ate applesauce...even though that was allowed on one of the many post op diet sheets I got...he said it wouldn't hurt me but that to stick strictly with liquids for at least a week and then slowly introduce other types of watered down foods. Sorry for talking so much, but most people here don't want to hear me rant on and on about this. Is your story on your profile? Please let me know how you are progressing! Kim